Tuesday, April 21, 2015

Is the seat of the German Parliament.
The original version was built in 1880s, topped with a stone dome but was damaged by fire and war during the Nazi period.
It was restored in the 1960s, with a classic Neo-Renaissance style and added its Glass inspired dome that was designed
by Architect Sir Norman Foster.

Berlin: it was in 2012 the last time we were in this city, though much has changed since, this edifice remains the same.

The first thing we did was to make an online reservation in advance.
There are schedules for you to choose, fill out a form, where you leave your contact details and passport infos.
They will email you with their confirmation.

The initial plan was to visit Reichstag during the night,
because of the spectacular aerial view and the glimmering lights, but decided otherwise,
given the weather in Berlin which proved to be foggy and misty during winter time.

We booked as early as 8:30 A.M. but still got there 10 minutes late! *blame it on jet-lagged and bad alarm setting*.
From our hotel, we took the Metro from Hausvogteiplatz to Unter den Linden metro stop.

The morning walk was wonderful by the way.
From Parisier Platz, we passed the Brandenburger Tor, aka the Brandenburg gate.
The streets were quiet, the place was silent.
Apart from us and a few locals heading to work, the crowds haven't gathered yet.

The first sight of the Brandenburg gate with all the flickered lights beside a giant Christmas tree...

*note: Left side building is the US embassy.

On our way to the Parliament we saw a crocodile of small school children shepherded by their teachers.
They were cute! ^-^

My guess was they were heading the same direction as we were, but I was wrong.
They crossed the other side of the street on the way to the garden.

There are helpful street signs for you to follow, leading you to the side entrance of the building.
Once inside, there will be a bunch of security checks and scanners.
Strict securities are implemented.

One security clerk was cheery and had this "Welcome to Berlin" speech prepared.

SEC: Hello! welcome to Berlin!
Speak English? Where are you from ?

Me: Hello (smiled)

SEC: Are you from China?

Me: shook my head and said: No, (still smiling)

SEC: ah! from Japan?

Me: No...

SEC: so, where you guys from?

Me: I finally caved in and said from the Philippines.

Well, I think it only took him like more than 10 seconds to register where in the world is that?!
and surprisingly said, Oh wow! what a nice country. ^-^

Once inside, Audio guides were provided with some brochures and newspapers in case you're interested.

Inside the dome, the walkways are in spiral manner with what seem to be an upside-down pyramid shaped that looked below
the Parliament seating.

There are sensors along the way, with the audio guides included, you get a description of its history,
in and outside of the building as you walk along the platform.

It is immensely spacious and airy.
In case you want to know...
It is made up of 800 tons of steel,
3000 sq metres of glass plus 360 mirrors.

You can wander freely around the area, go up and down or take pictures outside.
At the top of the dome, there's a seating area, this was where we took lots of self-timed shots and yes, selfies included. ^0^

If the place was packed, we would've finished it in less than an hour, it would've been tedious.
Instead, we almost have the place to ourselves.
So, we took time to appreciate each and every detail down to its imposing exterior.
The audios were helpful especially, if you're into history,
As for me, I have a short attention span, I get bored easily, so I tend to shift my gaze from here to there.

just look at how this was intricately carved.

you have to look up once in a while

Exiting the building

Bare trees in Winter amidst the green

Outside the Bus stop area
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At the end of the trip, I can say that the Reichstag tour was pretty much satisfying.

If there is a next time for me in Berlin, I'll make sure to visit it again, only this time, it's going to be during the night. ^-^